96 
THE FLORIST. 
sionally. And now comes a word I almost dread to write, Roses .— 
I very much fear that we can form no idea of the destruction to our 
favourites as yet. Many have looked over and counted so many dead. 
How many more will never push again remains to be seen. I have 
seen plenty with apparently vigorous young shoots, and yet dying at 
the neck of the plant. Thus I am almost inclined to think that very 
few standard Roses in the country will be worth anything after this 
winter; they may live to all appearance, but a Rose once checked is, 
I think, done for. However, we shall see ; and I am rather inclined 
to think that we are on the eve of a revolution in Rose growing. 
Standards will be given up largely, and Roses on their own roots, or on 
some stock which roots more freely than the common Briar, will have 
to be used instead. However, this month, the pruning knife must go 
to work, and I fear the spade must be used very extensively. One 
word of advice I would give, do not buy standards now; they will only 
bring grief to both buyer and seller. Tulips .—These must be protected 
from heavy rains, and the surface of the bed kept stirred, and of course 
all weeds taken away. In general work, get the beds dug over and 
ground prepared for planting out; keep the walks tidy and look after 
slugs, it being quite a myth, I fear, that a hard winter kills them. 
Deal, FeL 18. D. 
PLANTS FOR EXHIBITION. 
Cinerarias .—Great care must be taken in giving air this month 
to such of these as are very succulent, as the winds are frequently very 
nipping, and an hour may undo the work of a season. Syringe 
frequently in warm open weather, as this tends much to the elongation 
of the shoots and the colour of the foliage. Continue to tie out as wide 
as possible, removing at the same time all intruding suckers and 
spindling shoots. Give weak liquid manure occasionally, and shade 
when they flag too much, though it is necessary that they should flag 
a little at times, to harden the wood. Where there are seedlings they 
should be looked to, to see if there are any new and desirable for the 
following season. Fumigate slightly every now and then to prevent 
their becoming infested with the green-fly. Pelargoniums .—If the 
directions previously given have been acted upon, the May plants will 
be now assuming the shape they will take for the exhibitions; their 
growth should now be encouraged by giving them a little stimulant 
three or four times in the course of a week. For such purpose, guano 
water will be most safe and effective, of which half a thumb pot of the 
Peruvian will make four gallons. The plants will now require frequently 
watering, as their roots must be kept thoroughly moist. Everything 
like forcing should be carefully avoided. The temperature of the house 
at night should now range about 50*^. Each plant should enjoy air, 
light, and space in abundance. As the June plants progress, let them 
be well tied out. Let them be kept thoroughly clean by frequent 
fumigation. Stop the shoots of such as are thin, to induce dwarf and 
bushy growth, and also of those intended for late flowering. In the 
tying out of the plants fail not to let the form they .are ultimately to 
take be kept clearly in view. 
